Old pals' act on hold

7 October 2014

Chris Slavin

Alan aims to get the better of Jason Euell in cup tie

Alan Reeves says his close friendship with Jason Euell will be put to one side for 90 minutes tonight when the Dons face Charlton Athletic in the Premier League Cup (7.00 pm kick-off at Welling United).

The pair were Wimbledon team-mates in the 1990s, but they will be pitting their wits against each other tonight with Euell now coach of Charlton’s Under-21s.

Speaking to Dons Player, Alan Reeves said: “When I first signed for Wimbledon Jason was just breaking into the first-team and we spent quite a lot of time together. He stayed in my flat and after six months or so he basically lived there! We still keep in touch and we’re good mates, but tonight for 90 minutes we won’t be!

“We are playing against a Championship club’s Under-21 set-up, but we managed to beat AFC Bournemouth in the last round. The lads have to step-up because it’s going to be a tough challenge tonight, but it’s one that I want our lads to embrace.”

George Oakley, who signed a professional contract earlier this year, will get his first competitive minutes this season after a two-month lay-off with a hamstring injury.

With Tom Beere and Ben Harrison having stepped up to the first-team recently, Alan Reeves will call-up players from Mark Robinson’s Under-18s – and he says it’s a great opportunity for them.

“With a couple of the lads I would normally play now in the first-team squad – which is great – it will provide an opportunity for Under-18s to have a game. These players have shown that they can do well for the Under-18s on a Saturday, but this is another step in their development against an Under-21 side.

“We want to do well in the development league and in the cups, but it’s not the be all and end all. I want to get as many players from my squad into the first-team this season and that’s the main priority.”

Tonight’s game will take place at Welling United’s Park View Road (7.00 pm kick-off) with the following entry prices: Adults £3, senior citizens and concessions £2, juniors £1 (if accompanied by an adult).

Dons Player subscribers can watch the full video interview with Alan Reeves on our premium channel, along with an interview with George Oakley.